Name: 10-Minute Garlic + Herb Mushroom Quinoa Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 cups mushrooms, sliced thin (any variety); 1 small shallot, diced; 4 cloves of garlic, minced; 2 cups cooked quinoa; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup chopped parsley

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 11 reviews

I am so excited to share my favorite 10-Minute Garlic + Herb Mushroom Quinoa Recipe with you! This dish is an absolute lifesaver when I want something wholesome, flavorful, and speedy. The earthy mushrooms meld beautifully with fragrant garlic and fresh herbs, while the quinoa adds the perfect light, nutty base. It’s bright, comforting, and incredibly easy to toss together—exactly what I reach for on busy nights or whenever I want a healthy but satisfying meal in a flash.

Why You’ll Love This 10-Minute Garlic + Herb Mushroom Quinoa Recipe

What makes this recipe stand out to me is how the garlic and herbs intensify the natural umami of the mushrooms while keeping everything light and fresh. Each bite bursts with savory depth from the sautéed shallots and garlic, with the chopped parsley adding just the right punch of color and brightness. It’s a simple flavor profile, but so well-balanced and deeply satisfying without ever feeling heavy or bland.

I also adore how effortlessly this comes together. I can have a warm, nourishing dinner on the table in under ten minutes—perfect when my time is limited but my appetite is not. Whether I’m making a quick lunch, a side to accompany a grilled protein, or a last-minute dish for friends, this recipe feels like the perfect solution. It’s versatile, speedy, and packed with wholesome ingredients, making it an instant favorite in my kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pan holds a mix of light beige quinoa and sliced brown mushrooms, with a small pile of finely chopped green herbs on the right side near the center and a sprinkle of salt and pepper in the middle. The quinoa looks fluffy and textured, while the mushrooms have a soft, slightly cooked appearance spread evenly throughout. The pan rests on a white marbled surface, and there is a wooden handle attached to the pan at the bottom right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are effortlessly simple but play a starring role in creating a dish that tastes far more complex than it actually is. Each element contributes something important—from texture and flavor to freshness and color.

Olive oil: I use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for that subtle fruitiness and healthy fat content that helps cook the mushrooms beautifully.
Mushrooms: Any variety works great; I love a mix of cremini or button for their earthiness and tender texture. Slicing them thin helps them cook evenly and quickly.
Shallot: This adds a mild onion flavor that’s sweeter and more delicate than regular onions, really enhancing the overall taste.
Garlic: Four cloves give just the right aromatic punch without overpowering other ingredients—mincing it finely is key.
Cooked quinoa: I always recommend using quinoa that’s been cooked and fluff it well in advance to avoid sogginess.
Salt + pepper: Essential to bring out the full flavors and balance the savory notes.
Chopped parsley: Tossed in at the end for a fresh, herbaceous lift and vibrant green color.

Directions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. I like to wait until the oil shimmers before adding my mushrooms, shallot, and garlic so they sizzle immediately.

Step 2: Add the mushrooms, diced shallot, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté them together, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms have softened and start to brown lightly—this usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. The aroma at this point is simply irresistible!

Step 3: Stir in the cooked quinoa and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, just until heated through. This step ensures the quinoa soaks up the wonderful garlic and mushroom flavors.

Step 4: Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. I like to taste as I go here to make sure the seasoning is just right without overpowering the delicate ingredients.

Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the chopped parsley. I add the parsley at the end to keep its fresh, vibrant flavor and color intact.

Step 6: Serve immediately while warm, allowing all the delicious aromas and textures to shine.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings, which is perfect for a family meal or several smaller portions to enjoy as sides or light lunches throughout the week. Prep time is incredibly fast—around 2 minutes to get everything ready. The cooking time clocks in at about 8 minutes, bringing your total time to roughly 10 minutes from start to finish. There is no resting or cooling time required, so you can dig in straight away while everything is fresh and vibrant.

How to Serve This 10-Minute Garlic + Herb Mushroom Quinoa Recipe

The image shows a close-up of cooked quinoa mixed with sliced mushrooms and chopped green herbs, all blended together in one layer. The quinoa grains are light beige with a slightly fluffy texture, the mushrooms have a soft brown color with smooth slices, and the fresh green herbs are dispersed evenly, adding small pops of color. A wooden spoon is partially visible on the right side, touching the quinoa mixture, with its smooth, light brown handle resting on the food. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this dish warm because it really brings out the rich garlic and herb flavors, but it’s also delightful at room temperature, making it a great choice for potlucks or lunchboxes. For a well-rounded meal, I often pair it with simply grilled chicken or baked tofu, which allows the quinoa’s bright qualities to shine alongside protein.

If you want to elevate the presentation, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil over the top adds a lovely finishing touch. I also enjoy garnishing with a few fresh basil leaves or a squeeze of lemon juice to add extra brightness just before serving. This makes a simple dish feel a bit more special, especially when I’m hosting guests.

When it comes to drinks, this recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light sparkling water with lemon and mint for a refreshing contrast. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a holiday spread, this dish fits seamlessly and always leaves everyone asking for seconds because of its irresistible, fresh flavors.

Variations

I love to shake things up with this recipe depending on what I have on hand or what direction I’m craving flavor-wise. For example, replacing the parsley with fresh thyme or oregano gives the dish a more Mediterranean feel, which is fantastic with grilled veggies alongside.

For those following vegan or gluten-free diets, this recipe is inherently gluten-free, and making it vegan is as simple as ensuring your quinoa is pre-cooked without any animal products—perfect for everyone at the table. You could also swap olive oil for avocado oil for a different healthy fat profile.

If you want to boost the protein, tossing in a handful of toasted walnuts or chopped almonds near the end adds a wonderful crunch and richness. For a heartier meal, stirring in some baby spinach or kale in the last minute of cooking lets the greens wilt slightly, increasing the nutritional power without changing the quick cooking nature.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover Garlic + Herb Mushroom Quinoa in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps maintain its fresh flavor and keeps the texture nice for up to 3 to 4 days. Make sure to cool it down to room temperature before sealing the container to avoid condensation inside.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you want to prepare it in advance. I recommend portioning it into freezer-safe containers or sturdy zip-top bags, pressing out as much air as possible. It keeps well in the freezer for around 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.

Reheating

To reheat, I find gently warming it in a skillet over low to medium heat works wonders to revive the flavors without drying out the quinoa or mushrooms. Adding a splash of water or broth can help prevent sticking and keep it moist. Avoid microwaving without stirring midway, as this can cause uneven heating and an unpleasant mushy texture.

FAQs

Can I use other grains besides quinoa in this recipe?

Absolutely! While quinoa is my favorite for its texture and protein content, you can substitute with couscous, brown rice, or even bulgur wheat. Just keep in mind cooking times and moisture levels might change slightly.

What kind of mushrooms work best for this recipe?

I typically use cremini or white button mushrooms because they have a mild flavor and cook quickly, but shiitake or oyster mushrooms are fantastic too if you like a deeper, more pronounced umami taste.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Yes! It holds up beautifully for meal prep. Just store in airtight containers after cooling and reheat as needed. I recommend adding fresh herbs after reheating to refresh the flavors.

Can I add protein to make this a complete meal?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu all pair well. You could even stir in cooked chickpeas or black beans for a vegetarian protein boost.

How can I make this recipe more flavorful?

Try adding a splash of soy sauce or tamari while cooking, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a little zing. Toasted nuts or seeds on top can also add nice texture and flavor depth.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this 10-Minute Garlic + Herb Mushroom Quinoa Recipe a try—it has become one of my go-to dishes because it combines incredible flavor, nutrition, and speed all in one bowl. It’s perfect for busy days or when I want something fresh and satisfying without fuss. Once you taste the harmony of garlic, herbs, and mushrooms with quinoa, I’m confident it will become a favorite in your kitchen too!